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Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) is one of two venomous snake species native to Maryland. This pit viper is found mainly in uplands, and is recorded mostly from western Maryland. They are ranked as S3 (watchlist). Timber Rattlesnake prefers forested uplands, including open woodland and ridgetops. They are ambush predators, feeding primarily on warm-blooded prey, especially rodents or lagomorphs (rabbits). Hunting rattlesnakes tend to seek out rodent trackways, like fallen logs, and wait for prey to approach close enough to strike. This snake is venomous, and should not be handled or provoked for any reason. Although usually retiring, rattlesnakes will bite readily in self defense, and immediate medical attention is necessary. Bites are extremely painful, and can be life-threatening without medical attention (Tennant, 2003; Maryland DNR site).